Suffice it to say that none of us from Washington should be going near owner-occupied.  

Instead of renting again, I would like to purchase a shortsale multi family unit, renovate it with a 203k, rent 1 unit and live in the other unit. (3bd/2bath should suffice, open to mother/daughters as well)Does anyone have any advice on good counties or towns with 2 unit multi families for short sales?

I would imagine 3 but try to search if u could have one contract written up that suffice all parties just to simplify things.

My question: Will a contract and power of attorney suffice for me to make moves and get more information about this property and loan?

Maybe a PO Box will suffice.

But from what I understand if it's an off market deal you have to have sufficent "evidence" why the home is worth what you claim it is worth.

My job of 25+ years is winding down due to sweeping changes in the market I work. It's a long story; the job isn't ending cold turkey, just slowing way down such that I need supplemental income. I suspect there's a go...

The 2+2's in that building were renting for $1595 then...when they go vacant now, our management company is pushing for close to $2k month...I've seen rent increases on vacant units at the properties I manage in the past year go from anywhere from as low as 5% in one year to more than 20%...one building where I go to help out, there's a vacant unit that the owner is pushing for an increase in rent of around 15%...there's a myriad of factors involved with these increases, but suffice it to say that rents in Los Angeles are getting very high...

Green return receipt post card (or copy of) or sheriff notice (in some states) will generally suffice. 

If we made some sort of portfolio or Power point would that suffice (Anyone can make up a fake PPT) ?